Iris Society Volume 1, Number 1 Summer 2019 BCIS ‘Iris, the ower for all seasons’

In this issue: Message from BCIS President, Richard J. Hebda

BCIS Tour a Welcome to the first issue of the Rainbow Goddess, the BC Iris Society’s Huge Success electronic newsletter. This newsletter has been in planning for a couple of years Page 2 and we are proud to produce the first issue.

AIS Photo Contest The bearded iris season has just about passed in the southern part of the Page 15 province. In my garden, Augustine’s (TB) gorgeous peachy pink blooms are still open and Swingtown (TB) flaunts its grape purple blossoms. Many Siberians are BCIS Financial Statements beginning to pass after a spectacular show. New growth is emerging from iris Page 16 rhizomes heralding dividing and planting season soon. We experienced a wonderful tour of iris and other gardens in the Okanagan Benefits of BCIS Valley in late May. Short write-ups of the various sites visited fill the pages of Membership this issue prepared by tour participants under the guidance of our newsletter Page 17 editor and Secretary-Treasurer Bill Dumont. Bill also drove the van that took participants from Island to the Okanagan and up and down the valley. Useful Tips for Growing Irises We thank Penny Santosham and Lesia Lalonde of for putting together Page 18 a great tour and for hosting us at their homes. We thank the hosts from the valley, each of whom will be named in the articles that follow for inviting us HCP Iris Bed Update from into their delightful gardens. It seems that in addition to beautiful blooms each Ted garden had something special like a spectacular view or a particularly striking Page 19 display. We thank the Vernon and District Garden Club for providing me with an opportunity to talk about irises and their special role in climate change gardens. Think Climate Change, think Iris! I enjoyed speaking to and meeting enthusiastic garden club members. Ted Baker performed the role of super iris auctioneer and helped raised a goodly amount for the club and get some fine irises into the hands of local gardeners and BCIS members.

If you are not a BCIS member and are reading this newsletter please consider joining us in our many activities such as tours, joint iris purchases and imports, newsletter and bulletin and display garden. Please contact me ([email protected]) if you wish to join us. I will send you this year’s bulletin with your membership.

By the way, our display garden at the Horticultural Centre of the Pacific is developing very well, with some stunning show of bearded iris varieties even in its first year. Next year should be really colourful especially as the Siberian irises and others settle in.

Finally, our great appreciation to Bill Dumont for putting together this first issue of the Rainbow Goddess. If you have any iris observations or questions, please send them to Bill and with your permission we will include your A brilliant display of Tall Bearded (TB) information or answer in the next Rainbow Goddess which should come out Iris “Petticoat Shuffle” in Lesia and Gerry in the fall. Lalonde’s garden May 26, 2019 Penticton BC. Richard Hebda, President, BC Iris Society Photo Richard Hebda

BCIS Okanagan Tour a Huge Success Island who were joined by BCIS members and others A special thanks to Norma Buckley, John Veillette, Ian from the Okanagan Valley. Efford, Ted Baker, Richard Hebda, Darlene Li, Bill Dumont, Robin Zabloski, Penny Santosham and Malcolm Ho You Penny’s Garden for their photos and contributions to this report on the Visitors from Vancouver Island were treated to a Okanagan Tour gardens. delicious welcome supper on Friday at Penny’s new place in Penticton in the studio/garage and pond The spring 2019 BCIS tour of Okanagan gardens was patio. In spite of her claims to have a much reduced Iris organized by Penny Santosham and Leisa Lalonde collection her front door bed was a delight of beautiful for the last weekend of May covering gardens from irises and other plants. Falkland to . The tour was attended by more She lives in a gated community rancher with a perfect than 20 BCIS members from Saltspring and Vancouver sunny front yard for growing irises and a shady back yard with ponds and waterfalls.

The gardens were stripped bare a year ago and planted with rose bushes, bulbs like oriental lilies, Peruvian daffodils and now seasonal annuals in the beds and in pots. There are 20 varieties of dwarf iris, 5 medians, Siberians and her favourite 24 TBs from her old garden, including six personally hybridized registered ones.

The Vancouver Island group travelled to the Okanagan in this BCIS rented van British Columbia Iris Society 2 Summer 2019 Some of the TBs seen were Gypsy Lord, Raging Tide, Quixotic, Magical, Compassionate, Twist of Fate, Fancy Lover and Mellow Magic.

On Saturday morning the group met in north for breakfast and headed to an amazing array of gardens in the area and Vernon.

Peruvian daffodil in Penny’s front garden with six flowers (they grow taller after flowering)

Penny’s front garden of Tall Bearded Irises

Penny’s beautiful back yard in Penticton

Malcolm Ho You at Penny’s new garden in Penticton

Ted Baker, David and Sandra Allin from Vancouver Island enjoying supper in Penny’s studio. British Columbia Iris Society 3 Summer 2019 They grow 6 varieties of cherries and on average harvest 600 to 700 pounds annually.

Tall Bearded Irises from 2011 BCIS Convention

Leslie and Dan O’Shea Garden – Inspecting the many varieties of cherries at the O’Shea garden – South Kelowna The rain at the O’Shea garden was very welcome after One of the new waste products from the legal marijuana a dry spring in the Okanagan. Dan and Leslie have a industry in the Okanagan are “dope pods” that are the small acreage in Oyama/Lake Country. Leslie’s speciality roots wads from harvested marijuana plants grown is chrysanthemums and she supplies Butchart Gardens in peat and perlite. The pods are dumped at the local every year. They have a field of irises with many from waste sites and the O’Shea’s harvest them at no charge the 2011 Victoria BCIS convention. The O’Shea garden and extensively use them for soil amendments in their is a practical and working garden with many irises, fruit clay soil garden. There are thousands of these thrown trees, chickens and a sizeable cherry orchard and many out each year to avoid contamination of the next crop. other plants for sale. They have a small greenhouse for tender plants.

Dope pods used for soil amending at O’Shea Garden The O’Shea hybrid free range chickens were a hit!

There had been rain the night before and being a late spring the iris clumps were just starting to bloom. Some TBS noticed were Dusky Challenger, Ink Patterns, Petticoat Shuffle and Dream Team. Their hybrid free range chickens were a hit.

They had some winter damage as plants/trees got freeze-dried in the minus 37 wind-chill cold last fall but overall the garden looked just fine. British Columbia Iris Society 4 Summer 2019 Susan Mann-Osborne Garden – Coldstream at the top of the garden. There are rows and rows of A fascinating sloping property in Coldstream surprises blooming bearded irises along with beds of ornamental around every corner. Susan, a retired nurse greeted flowers such as lupines, peonies and roses. everyone and shared her passion for irises. There was beautiful rock work, pavers interplanted with woolly Susan opens her garden to the public annually with a thyme, 20-foot walls of evergreens draped with clematis Community Fundraising event. The proceeds from the around a swimming pool, a summer sleeping gazebo, sale of her irises are sent to support another one of her Tibetan umbrellas and art hangings and a combination passions; a charitable organization in Western Nepal of formal terraced gardens and a casual slope of new which is dedicated to the education of impoverished and historic bearded irises. Some irises seen were children, who may otherwise be sold into a life of Codicil, Kiss, Immortality and Superstition. servitude.

Susan’s garden is such a treat and truly “the Candy Shop for Iris Lovers”!

Barry and Louise Rafuse Garden – Coldstream

Getting a thorough inspection by BCIS members

Attractive border in the front Rafuse Garden

Under cloudy skies and the occasional downpour, we toured this beautiful hillside garden in Coldstream. Situated on a steep slope, the garden and house have been completely renovated over the last 3 years by Barry and Louise after they moved from Lavington. As it is a developing garden, plants are just getting established. There are Lots of eye candy for iris lovers peonies, kiwi vines, clematis and standard bearded and dwarf irises. The 10-year-old iris garden greats you when you pass the courtyard. It is beautifully landscaped on a gently Unique and whimsical collection of bird houses in the garden sloped hill with stone walkways and a lovely sitting area British Columbia Iris Society 5 Summer 2019 The back garden very dry was fenced at the summers edge of a steep and, to ravine, which a large remains natural. extent, Barry collects rather chains as noted poor soils. attached to the They are tree. Being on a found steep hill, there wild on are irrigation gravelly challenges. They hillsides in have established countries a unique pump ranging from Ted Baker and Joyce Prothero discussing the plants. The long bed septic system Western Spain is shown behind them on the right which delivers and southern water back up to France right across the front lawn. It southern Europe to Central Asia east of the Caspian Sea. Barry’s log boom chain collection all presented a Their range also includes a few in North Africa in the pleasant, area of the Atlas Mountains. secluded, peaceful atmosphere with a view over the valley below. The natural wild conditions reflect those found in the Okanagan and particularly those in the Iris Obsessions They have made extensive upgrades to both the home Garden. The location is an abandoned road works and garden. The front yard has a lovely semi-circle of site with gravel as the main component of the ground emerald green grass surrounded by a low stone edging both in the roadway on site or the actual garden areas. with floral plantings of perennials, including irises and Climate and growing conditions closely match those annuals. The back, lower yard has a beautiful view of the in the wild. The result is a very large number of irises town of Coldstream and is edged with low bushes and growing in conditions which do not match the rather short dwarf grafted fruit trees. One had 5 varieties of plush ones in most gardens! apples on it. As soon as one enters the property, one sees a 3 foot by 400-foot (1 x 120m) bed absolutely full of labelled Iris Obsession Garden – Falkland irises. Further down the property is another bed, again The BCIS tour of the Okanagan gave everyone an chock-a-block full and yet another one running at right overview of the very wide range of size and colour that angles to the main bed. This nursery must have the can be found in bearded irises, in particular, the tall bearded ones that are descendants of Iris germanica. This species is probably not native to Germany [or even a true species] but is likely to have originated further south in Italy. The reason is that almost all the bearded irises are native to a Mediterranean The second iris bed with amazing Marianne’s seedling bed climate - wet tough gravelly soil conditions winters and British Columbia Iris Society 6 Summer 2019 largest selection of bearded irises Protocol for sale in the province. All are available online at irisobsession. com. The website itself is full of photos of all the available irises and they can be ordered from Marianne Unruh at mp_unruh@ hotmail.com. is set in a The prices seem beautiful The third iris bed very reasonable valley compared to surrounded by those of other nurseries and, in particular, compared mountains. to purchasing these plants in the US where prices are higher and one has to add on the exchange rate, the Photos of four cost of phyto-sanitation certificate and high postage. irises that Ian Efford Marianne Unruh showed the group around and her particularly enthusiasm for liked and were the plants was clearly labelled obvious. She are included answered many here. questions but was particularly animated when Wanita showing visitors the small bed of her seedlings. Those that have reached flowering have been named after her children.

If you wish to visit this garden it is located in the very small village of Falkland, located about halfway between Vernon and Kamloops,

Marianne Unruh enthusing about her irises Faye British Columbia Iris Society 7 Summer 2019 Ted Baker, BCIS Past President, took us through the process of the iris judge’s point of view for various classes and provided tips for presenting iris in flower shows.

The most exciting part of the meeting for many was a spirited auction led by Ted. More than $800 was raised in the Ted Baker auction. Some were potted plants, but most were rhizomes with bloom stalks. This was a club fundraiser and many of the rhizomes were from plants we had admired in the tour gardens collected by Penny and Lesia.

Gypsy Queen

Gypsy Queen is of interest as it closely resembles the parent, which is Iris variagata a well-known species that is found in Hungary and is also found from Bavaria to Ukraine. In the wild, this species comes in two genetic forms – yellow with reddish brown marking and white with blue markings. The difference seems to be a simple genetic on/off gene.

Vernon and District Garden Club Meeting – Awesome collection of iris swag and Vernon Arts Centre art at Vernon Garden Club Meeting The club is an old organization, being established in 1926 [the Victoria Horticultural Society dates from 1921]. There was a rather They held their special Club meeting to coincide with our rushed ending as the BCIS tour. The hall was well decorated with an iris theme hall closed and quick including various artworks as well as many cut flower thinking members stalks. With the tour group, there were approximately 50 got a few last minute people in attendance. Tea, coffee and cold drinks were bargains. Supper provided as well as baked goodies. The favourites were followed across the excellent cheese biscuits. street which included a tropical downpour Richard Hebda, president of BCIS, presented an along the way. interesting talk on the challenges of climate change for gardeners and how iris are ideal plants in this context. This was a shortened version of his address to the 2019 AGM in Victoria and that talk is available for viewing on Collection of irises the BCIS website. and stuff for auction British Columbia Iris Society 8 Summer 2019 The Linden Garden contains a mass of species and flowering plants Attractive ponds and water features at Linden Gardens was a former fruit farm and the garden started in 2000 Linden Gardens – Kaleden with a large range of irises that slowly declined as the On Sunday morning we headed south to Linden developing tree cover reduced sunlight. gardens. This lush, moist, coast-like public acreage garden covering 6 acres (2.4 hectares) is located in It is well planned with winding pathways, multiple Kaleden, about 8 km south of Penticton and exhibits streams and ponds and various viewpoints over Skaha what can be done with water in an almost desert Lake. climate. Owners Ken and Margaret Hayters have created an amazing, plant-rich garden containing a wide array of rhododendrons, azaleas, and bulbs of many species, hostas, lilacs, lilies, rudbeckia and irises. This site is now a major event venue for local communities.

There is an impressive rose garden used for weddings The ever- and other functions. The beds are complemented with changing rich borders of many colourful shrub species. The site landscape has a huge event building Another attractive water feature at called the Linden Gardens with Swamp Iris Frog City café. There are several animals on site and activities for children.

The hillsides along in the distance Pretty walkways leading to the Frog with some rhodos in full bloom in the foreground Café Event Building at Linden Gardens British Columbia Iris Society 9 Summer 2019 Tree peony High Noon in awesome full glory with a 2 metre spread in Tania’s Garden

Tania Carter’s town garden – Penticton Tania has lived in her house for eleven years and initially, there was no garden. Because of local deer, the front has a hedge and lily of the valley. However, the side Birdhouse and healthy edibles and roses in Tania’s Garden path to the back is bordered by many bearded iris and when you reach the awesome backyard it is centred by a water feature, interesting pink salvia, a small white a gorgeous outstanding tree peony called High Noon climbing rose which has travelled with her from house right adjacent to a cozy sitting area. to house, a gorgeous lupine and many Siberian iris which she loves. Other favourites include roses, lilies, When Tania initially moved in there was a large area dahlias and sedum. of landscape fabric in the back and when she pulled it up she found six peonies. Three survive and now form a large part of her garden which she calls a work in progress. This small garden, heavily planted, includes

Water feature and many spring flowering plants in Tania’s beautiful Garden Beautiful water feature in Tania’s Garden British Columbia Iris Society 10 Summer 2019 Now that marijuana is legal in some gardens are including this attractive plant and it brought lots of attention from the visitors. There were three plants on display, a beautiful heritage variety and A luxurious overnight tent room as part of the B&B another with heavy flowering and buds.

Cannabis sativa – coming to many iris gardens near you!

Tania’s is a small garden with a big impact.

Jane Coady’s Garden – Penticton Jane and her architect husband Mat have completely transformed a 1920’s heritage home in Penticton on Vancouver Hill into a several unit B&B with extensive hardscaping, landscaping and beautiful gardens. Mat is very handy and a craftsman who produced many of the River rock forms many attractive walls in Okanagan gardens special construction features in the house and garden. Their ½ acre site is surrounded by the 5-acre original fruit farm. This meticulous garden has a wide variety of plants along with a pool, hot tub and elaborate tent room for overnighters. The garden is complemented by lots of unique whimsies.

Jane explains her gardens development The Coady’s main house dating from with a cow whimsy in the background 1920’s but extensively updated British Columbia Iris Society 11 Summer 2019 Spring bring snowdrops at the Summerland Ornamental Gardens Lots of Interesting features in the Coady’s house Summerland Ornamental Gardens The Summerland Ornamental Gardens are situated in the Southern Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, Canada. In existence for almost 100 years, this 15-acre heritage botanical garden is open to the public year round. Suitable for walks, hikes, picnics, and garden research.

Originally established in 1916 as part of the Agricultural Research Station, the Gardens were designed to help new residents, many from the U.K. and other rainy climates, choose ornamental plants for their gardens that would be suitable for the dry Okanagan climate.

You can walk by the The Coady Main House Back Yard is full of great features demonstration garden beds and learn principles of water-wise gardening with the diverse Welcome Garden, the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden, the Cactus Garden, Iris Beds, Meadow, The comfortable and very attractive upper backyard gardens at the Coady’s B&B Popular wedding venue at the Ornamental Gardens British Columbia Iris Society 12 Summer 2019 As you stroll through the Gardens you will enjoy views of , Giant’s Head Mountain and the Trout Creek Trestle railroad bridge, an outstanding engineering feat constructed for the Kettle Valley Railway.

Sage Hill Farm and Gardens Penticton Stunning views, brilliant irises and amiable hosts greeted BC Iris Society and local resident visitors at Sage Hill Farm and Gardens. Named after the gentle sage- covered hills on the property, it perches above the old Kettle Valley railbed and affords an idyllic setting for growing irises.

Attractive borders line the gardens

Butterfly Garden, Shade Gardens, and more, all overlooking Okanagan Lake. The gardens feature a vast collection of perennial and annual flowers, mature trees, grasses and shrubs.

There are several large grassy areas for family picnics and parties as well as a gazebo and wedding plaza. The iris garden was removed to install new irrigation 3 years ago and at the moment there are only historic plantings scattered along the ‘Welcome Garden” 100-foot strip near the house. Penny is working on a plan with the Garden Director to reintroduce the latest Dykes Medal varieties and some Siberians. BCIS may be getting involved in this project as well. Gerry and Lesia Lalonde with Ted Baker (past President of BCIS) on the right. “Coral Caper” (Miniature Tall Bearded) puts on a great show at Gerry Lalonde’s feet.

Relative newcomers to growing irises, Lesia and Gerry Lalonde have devoted several large beds to masses of irises near their house. Lesia began accumulating irises about 10 years ago but got serious about growing them only in the last five years. Through purchases and several large donations from respected senior iris growers, the Lalondes have amassed an amazing array of all sorts from Standard Dwarfs to Tall Bearded (TB) and Siberians.

Tall bearded varieties from historic forms to modern ones put on a colourful display in several well-packed beds. Thoroughly weeded and well covered with bark mulch it seemed that not a flower was out of place or past. “Augustine’s” (TB) peachy pink welcomed visitors Attractive borders line the gardens from the bed nearest the entrance as did “Petticoat British Columbia Iris Society 13 Summer 2019 Tania Carter and Joan Coady discuss Irises at Sage Hill

upper end of this long and colourful bed is called Ted’s Bed because it has many irises purchased from BCIS Past President Ted Baker’s farm on Saltspring Island. At the Lesia Lalonde with her Tall Bearded Irises “Monmartre” and “Wine Dynasty” in the foreground opposite end is a mass of heritage irises brought to Lesia by heritage expert Jacquie McDonald. Among them I was transfixed by the stunning show of Adobe Rose (TB), Shuffle” (TB). This area is called Penny’s Bed derived peachy cream and rosy desert red; it gently warmed this from plants donated by BCIS director Penny Santosham part of the bed. when she moved from the wilds of Farleigh Lake into Penticton town. Other display areas ascend the gentle slope and steep bank to the house. Historic purple and white “Wabash” Further along in a bed under a Russian olive tree pink (TB) stole the show for many visitors and was with and red-violet “Wench” (TB) showed off superbly. “Petticoat Shuffle” the most popular of all the irises in a “Blueberry Bliss” (TB) dominated with its stunning and write-in poll. “Maid of Orange” (Border Bearded) and the enormous mid blue flowers. Nearby the remarkably frilly “Montmartre” (TB) were the other two varieties that popular and streaky Royal Purple “Batik” (Border made the top three places. Bearded) was in full show among many others. The Gerry and Lesia have renovated a bank rising steeply to the level of the house with many new irises among them including several Siberians and companion plants. In a year or two, this area will also be full of brilliant colour. They plan to add more irises along and around their driveway as their next project. I can only imagine what a kaleidoscope of colour there will be in a few years on our next Okanagan tour. It’s wonderful to see a newer garden developing so well and rising to replace those of our elder iris statesmen who have reduced their holdings. Let’s hope even more folks get into the iris business.

Lesia and Gerry’s favourite irises, for now, include Dangerous Mood (TB), Wine Dynasty (TB), Maid of Orange and Mulled Wine (TB). Iris beds are scattered throughout the Sage Hill Farm, an ideal ecosystem for irises Some of Gerry and Lesia’s irises are available by emailing them at [email protected]. British Columbia Iris Society 14 Summer 2019 The tour Farewell Dinner was at Sage Hill Farm organised by the Lalonde’s and the tasty food very much appreciated by the 25 people in attendance.

Relaxing and ready to chow down on A very special the great Farewell Dinner at Sage Hill thanks to Penny Santosham and Lesia Lalonde for organising such Lesia and Guests Robin Zabloski and Rosemary an awesome tour Botner enjoying the great farewell supper of the Okanagan Valley. We saw a great many irises on this trip, mostly in flower living under ideal conditions. This has only been possible for some of us because of the hard work and dedication of Bill Dumont who drove the 1400 Let sleeping kilometres on the BCIS Okanagan Garden Tour. We are dogs and grateful and cannot begrudge him taking a little nap tired van drivers lie! now and again!

AIS Photo Contest Now Open for Entries The rules and entry form for the 2019 AIS Photo Contest are on the AIS website at: http://www.irises.org/Photo_and_Galleries/Enter_Photo_Contest.html The American Iris Society invites you to participate in their Annual Photo Contest. This contest is free and open to everyone, with the exception of contest Judges and the contest coordinator, who are not eligible to enter. The winning photo of each category will be published in the AIS Winter magazine and placed on the AIS web site. The 2019 winner of each category will receive a 2019 introduction (within USA only). The winners will also receive a single eMembership or annual membership extension to AIS. (Winners who are AIS life members will receive an e-membership or annual membership in an AIS Section of their choice.) Runners-up of each category will receive a 2017 or 2018 introduction (within the USA only). May 1st to August 1st MIDNIGHT - California Time SUBMITTING IMAGES: If you have not already submitted required images, directions on how to submit images are available at https://www.irises.org/About_Irises/Iris_Registrations.html#SubmitPhoto If you need assistance, the Image Coordinator (Neil Houghton) is happy to help you. Contact him at: [email protected] or 585-301-8256 (text/voice) John and Joanne Jones, Registrar-Recorders, American Iris Society, [email protected] 35572 Linda Drive, Fremont, CA 94536 British Columbia Iris Society 15 Summer 2019 BC Iris Society Financial Statements January 1 to December 31 2018

US $ CAN $

Total Deposits – ISCU – Jan 1, 2018 318.60 22634.86 REGULAR CHEQUING Opening Balance 4690.28

Expenditures

Bank Fees 22.00 Teleconference Meeting 93.84 BC Coun. Garden Clubs Insr+Fees 206.50 HCP Iris Bed Irrigation 1013.50 Bulletin Postage + Printing 1201.75 AGM rental and catering 216.00 Website 517.52 BC Filing fees 95.00 AIS Affiliation Fee 46.00 3412.11

Revenue

Memberships 923.32 Interest 3.63 AGM attendees 425.00 1351.95 Closing Balance 2630.12

BUSINESS ACCOUNT Opening Balance 45.00

US DOLLAR ACCOUNT Opening Balance 318.60 Interest + .12 Closing Balance 318.72

TERM DEPOSIT No. 4 – April 2022 – .85% escalator +152.10 18045.83

MEMBERSHIP SHARES 5.36

Total Deposits – ISCU – Dec 31, 2018 US$318.72 20738.19

British Columbia Iris Society 16 Summer 2019 The Benefits of BCIS Membership The BC Iris Society celebrates and promotes Irises in British Columbia. We spread knowledge and awareness of Irises through meetings, providing speakers for other groups, and advice to members and the general public on growing Irises successfully. Links are maintained with other iris enthusiasts by affiliation with the American Iris Society.

Please join our society and enjoy new friends and many benefits:

Annual BULLETIN with BCIS news, expert advice on Iris  growing and care with beautiful and eye-catching iris photos

The RAINBOW GODDESS newsletter twice per year with  information on garden tours, tips on iris culture, and members- only iris purchases  WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA – great resources for Iris lovers GROUP PURCHASES – unique opportunities to buy new and  unusual irises at reasonable prices including import from the United States

DISPLAY GARDENS – BCIS has created and our volunteers  maintain beautiful Iris display gardens at Government House and Horticulture Centre of the Pacific in Victoria

GARDEN TOURS/WORKSHOPS – great opportunities to meet  passionate Iris growers, learn from them and see their gardens

ANNUAL MEETING – get together with Iris lovers and enjoy Iris  lectures

IRIS COMMUNICATIONS – regular email updates and links to  other Iris societies

Join the BCIS Our membership year is the same as the calendar year. Dues are $15 for individuals and $16 for families and societies. Members are encouraged to pay three years to simplify the renewal process ($45 or $48 for 3 years).

Please mail the following information and your cheque (payable to BCIS) to Diane Whitehead - BCIS, 5088 Clutesi St., Victoria, B.C. V8Y 1X4

Name(s) Mailing address Telephone number Email address Amount Paid British Columbia Iris Society 17 Summer 2019 Useful Tips for Growing Irises Bearded Irises Bearded Irises need at least a half day of sun and not be shaded by other plants to bloom well. They prefer a well- drained, fertile, neutral to slightly acidic soil. They can be planted any time the soil is not frozen but a month after bloom is optimum and gives the best chance for bloom the following year. Plant so the top of the rhizome is at the soil surface. Plant Tall Bearded iris in groups of 3 or 5, 30 to 60 cm apart (1 to 2 feet) to give quick results. Dig a shallow hole up to 25 cm wide (10 inches) for Tall Bearded irises and 10 cm deep (4 inches). Make a ridge of soil down the middle and spread the roots on both sides. Fill the hole with soil and firm gently. Water thoroughly. Top dress with a low nitrogen fertilizer when planting and again in early spring.

Beardless Irises Beardless Irises (Siberians, Spurias, Japanese etc.) also need at least half a day of sun to bloom well. They like a humus rich, well drained, moist, acidic soil. They are best transplanted in early spring, right after bloom, or in the early fall. Top dress with a balanced fertilizer in the early spring and after bloom. Japanese irises respond very well to additional water and a high nitrogen fertilizer. For other irises, including Pacific Coast and other species make sure you check out their specific planting and care needs.

Further info on growing Irises is available at bcirissociety.com/iris-planting-and-care British Columbia Iris Society 18 Summer 2019 HCP Iris Bed Update from Ted There has been a lot of bloom in The irrigation hoses have been the garden this year and I had some moved to make sure they are good comments from visitors when watering Siberians and other irises I was there recently. It still looks that needed it and not the bearded sparse but will fill in with time. The so much. irises seem to like the site which is a big plus! There is no sign of leaf spot A few BC Iris Society members so we need to make sure anything got together recently to spread bearded we plant has been treated. leaf mulch on the HCP bed. Ted, So nice not to have to clip off all Diane, Joan and Claudia helped to those brown spots! mulch our new bed to keep down the weeds and add very beneficial Richard H, Malcolm Ho-You, Joan organic matter to the site. We are Jolly Young Man Schill and Sandy Gibb have been always looking for weeders to help weeding over the last few weeks so maintain our newest project in fine things are looking not too bad but Siberian. There is at least one more condition. Send me an email if you weeding is constant as there are Sino-Siberian that can be planted in can help out: so many weed seeds and pieces of the fall. [email protected] roots to make new plants. But over time if we are diligent we will get ahead of the weeds. All 5 Spurias [so now they have names! ...White Heron, Missouri Orange, Lemon Tower, Speeding Star, and Adriatic Sea] that I planted last fall are blooming and should make good clumps over the next couple of years.

We just planted 5 more Siberians: Jolly Young Man, Paprikash, Strawberry Fair, Judy Judy Judy and Simon Says.

We now have a total of 11 Siberians plus Dotted Line which is a Sino-

Are you following us on Facebook? We add news about plant sales, garden tours, special iris talks, etc., plus photos and information about irises to our page, so be sure to like us at:  britishcolumbiairissociety Be sure to check out our website as well where you’ll find upcoming events, newsletters, and our photo gallery full of beautiful iris photos: bcirissociety.com British Columbia Iris Society 19 Summer 2019